Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s Fitness Is Portugal’s Biggest World Cup Headache

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: June 3, 2014

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Portugal's opening World Cup match is just 13 days away and for the medical staff it's going to be an incredibly busy period.

They don't face an injury crisis throughout the squad, but they do have issues regarding their best player.

The muscular injury picked up by Cristiano Ronaldo toward the end of Real Madrid's campaign has not fully healed.

His fellow players have played down reports that the forward won't be functioning for the tournament but as he sat out the Greece friendly there are concerns.

Manager Paulo Bento is rightfully cautious; although he is also optimistic the forward will be fit in time.

He told a press conference before the goalless game at the weekend, via The Daily Mirror:

What I don't want to do is put any sort of pressure on a player that causes them to compete when they are not in the right state to do so. We're not setting any deadlines. The player's well-being comes first. I want him to be in the best possible form without running any risks.

It's natural for a country to build their side around one of the top three players in the world.

In fact, it's natural to build a team around your best player in general.

Although if your nation has other quality players, then it's a little worrying if you play in a one-dimensional manner.

Club sides also face similar dilemmas, but if you have the right sized cheque book that can often be altered.

At Real Madrid, Gareth Bale was purchased to ease the burden on Ronaldo.

When Ronaldo was missing, like in the Copa del Rey final, the Welshman was able to offer similar attributes to the Portuguese superstar.

With both wingers on the pitch, Carlo Ancelotti found a 4-4-2 variation which saw Bale out wide on the right and Ronaldo almost as a second striker starting from the inside left position.

The balance of the team was maintained by Angel...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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